10 Things to Do at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, Australia
The National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, Australia is a must-see for art lovers and history buffs alike. Located in the heart of the nation’s capital, the gallery boasts a vast collection of over 166,000 works of art, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces. With so much to explore, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are 10 of the best things to do at the National Gallery of Australia.
1. Take a guided tour: Get the most out of your visit with a guided tour of the National Gallery of Australia. Led by experienced guides, the tours take visitors through the gallery’s highlights and provide an in-depth look at the artworks. Tours are available in both English and Mandarin.
2. Explore the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection: The National Gallery of Australia is home to the world’s largest collection of Indigenous Australian art. The collection includes over 10,000 works, ranging from traditional bark paintings to contemporary pieces.
3. Check out the Australian art: The National Gallery of Australia is home to the country’s largest collection of Australian art, with over 7,000 works. The collection includes pieces from colonial painters such as John Glover and Eugene Von Guerard, to modern works by Sidney Nolan and Arthur Boyd.
4. Admire the Asian art: The Asian art collection at the National Gallery of Australia is one of the most comprehensive in the Southern Hemisphere, with over 5,000 works. Highlights include a selection of Buddhist sculptures, Chinese porcelain, and Japanese woodblock prints.
5. Appreciate the European art: The European art collection at the National Gallery of Australia is one of the most impressive in the world, with over 11,000 works. Highlights include masterpieces by Rembrandt, Monet, and Picasso.
6. Visit the sculpture garden: The sculpture garden at the National Gallery of Australia is home to over 20 large-scale works by Australian and international artists. Highlights include sculptures by Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth.
7. Attend a free talk or lecture: The National Gallery of Australia offers free talks and lectures on a wide range of topics, including art history, conservation, and curatorial practice. The talks are held in the gallery’s auditorium and are open to the public.
8. Take part in a workshop: The National Gallery of Australia offers a range of workshops and classes for adults and children. The workshops cover a variety of topics, from drawing and painting to photography and sculpture.
9. Explore the temporary exhibitions: The National Gallery of Australia hosts a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Recent exhibitions have included a retrospective of the work of Australian artist Margaret Olley and an exploration of the influence of photography on modern art.
10. Relax in the café: After a day of exploring the gallery, take some time to relax in the café. The café offers a range of light meals, snacks, and drinks, as well as a selection of local and international wines.